Amazon Picks 20 Possible Places For Its New HQ | LA Times

Dr. Dave Smith comments to the Los Angeles Times about LA's selection as a finalist

As Amazon explores top cities for new headquarters, Associate Professor of Economics and Associate Provost for Online Programs Dr. David M. Smith tells the Los Angeles Times that ecomomic incentives – though important – might not be enough to lure the Seattle-based behemoth. With Los Angeles among the top 20 cities under consideration by Amazon, James F. Peltz and Alejandra Reyes-Velarde's article covers L.A. and other cities' potential strategies, noting that the southern California region has experienced a loss of corporate headquarters over the last two decades.

L.A.'s existing Amazon fulfillment centers could be a plus, but it is unclear if Los Angeles would provide the necessary tax breaks Amazon might seek. Amazon did say that it was looking for a hub with a "highly educated labor pool" and a "strong university system," both of which Los Angeles offers.